April 5, 2023 at 10:59 am
London fire officials and police are investigating a fire in the Old East Village that sent two people to hospital.
Firefighters were called to the fire outside ARK Aid at 706 Dundas Street at around 3am on Wednesday.
“On arrival, crews found a small outdoor fire in the sidewalk area and quickly put it out,” Platoon Leader Colin Shewell said. “There were a number of items that were consistent with what a homeless person might have with him, like cardboard and a shopping cart.”
Two people were reportedly injured in the fire. They were taken to hospital for treatment, but the extent of their injuries is not yet known.
As of 10am, the pavement outside Ark Aid was still cordoned off with yellow tape. The burned items were covered with green tarps held down by several orange pylons. Two police vehicles were also on guard at the scene.
Sewell said it was unclear what exactly started the fire.
“We will be working with Police in London throughout the day and hope our investigators will be able to understand the cause and circumstances of this fire and why these injuries occurred,” Shewell said.
The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office has also been notified due to the injuries.